Objective: To find out the performance parameters of a LPG refrigerator (Eco-fridge)

Experimental setup
In this experiment, ordinary type of single door domestic refrigerator (165 Liter capacity) using R12 as
the refrigerant is converted into LPG refrigerator.
Entity Specifications
Refrigerant LPG (30% Propane, 55% n-butane and 15% Iso-
butane by mass)
Gross capacity 165 L
Power supply 1 Phase, 220V
Current 0.9 A
Compressor Type Reciprocating, Hermitically sealed
Charged mass 55g (41% mass of R12)
Capillary length 7-9 feet

When conducting experiments, digital thermometers are to be used to measure the temperatures at
compressor outlet, condenser and Evaporator. Energy Watt hour meter also to be used at power supply
at power supply inlet to measure the actual power consumed by compressor in one day.
Theory:
The refrigerants such as R12 and R134a have serious environmental impacts. The CFSs and HCFCs have
high Global warming potential (GWP) and Ozone depletion potential (ODP). The atmospheric lifetime of
CFCs is very long that makes it even more dangerous to the Ozone layer. The GWP is defined as the
ratio of additional radiant heat by one kg of refrigerant to the radiant heat by 1 kg of CO2. The ODP for a
specified time is defined as the ratio of amount of ozone depleted by 1 kg of refrigerant to the amount
of ozone depleted by R12.
Table: ODP, GWP and lifetime of selected common refrigerants
Refrigerant R11 R12 R22 R134a R290, R600a
(LPG)
ODP 1.0 0.9 0.055 0 0
GWP 3400 7300 1500 1200 8
Atmospheric
lifetime (Year)
55 130 15 16 <1

R22 and other HCFCs are not long term replacements for CFCs. Although they have only moderate ozone
depletion potential they will be phased out in near future.



LPG (Hydrocarbon refrigerant):
Hydrocarbons are naturally occurring substances that are obtained from refineries after distillation.
They have been used as refrigerants for many decades, mostly in very large industrial plant but also but
also in small low temperature systems.
HCs are good refrigerants for many reasons:
They perform very well, with good capacity and efficiency.
LPG are available for a very wide range of applications, including as a direct replacement for R12
They have a very low environmental in comparison with CFCs, HCFCs and HFCs.
They are compatible with copper and standard mineral oils.
Cleanliness procedures similar to R12 may be used.
The power required in LPG is 90% of the power required in R12.
The weight of LPG required is only 41% of the weight of R12 required.
Very few changes are to be done in order to achieve refrigeration with LPG. Some safety measures to be
kept in mind so that the flammability does not present problems.
Safety principles:
Systems using hydrocarbons must be designed so that leakage is not dangerous.
During manufacture, appropriate equipment should be used to charge the systems, and the
charging area is to be chosen with care.
Service technicians must be trained to handle LPG safely.
Procedure:
The setup is established and the temperature reading is to be taken after every 15 minutes till the stable
state is reached using the thermostat.
A table to be drawn with all the three temperatures designated as:
T2 - Evaporator Temperature
T3 - compressor outlet temperature
T4 condenser temperature
With the help of above temperatures, the refrigerating effect, compressor work and COP is to be
determined for each case.
Calculations:
From the p-h diagram of LPG h1, h2 and h3 at temperature t1, t2, t3 and t4
h1=
h2=
h3=
h4=
Let m= mass of water to be converted into ice
And m = mass flow of refrigerant.
Using energy balance equation =
Refrigerating effect = latent heat of fusion of m kg of ice
Therefore, m = m x (latent heat of fusion for ice)/ (h4-h1)
Compressor work = m x (h2-h1)
COP = RE/compressor work = RE/ *m x (h2-h1)]
Repeat the calculations for other readings of temperature.

Observation Table:
Time
(minutes)
T2 T3 T4 H2 H3 H4 RE CW COP
t=0
15
30
45
60
75

Results:
With the help of the observation table, various plots are to be drawn:
COP v/s Evaporator temperature
RE v/s Evaporator temperature
CW v/s Evaporator temperature
Evaporator temperature v/s time



PRECAUTIONS:
The LPG is an inflammable substance, so it must be handled with care
While performing the experiment the leakage of LPG could be disastrous, so it must be ensured
that no leakage of LPG is there
All the pipes and joints should be properly sealed
The experiment should be performed at a ventilated place in order to minimize the chances of
explosion due to leakage of refrigerant.

P-h Diagram of LPG: